System and method for monitoring activity and/or environment conditions of an area surrounding a pipeline

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses and methods configured to monitoring activity and/or environmental conditions of an area surrounding a pipeline. Such systems and methods can utilize fiber optic sensors for monitoring vibrations and other signals in elongated tubular members making up the pipeline. Such fiber optic sensors can be strategically placed at a plurality of locations along a length of the pipeline thereby allowing monitoring of critical operating conditions such as strain, temperature and pressure of the pipeline and other signals indicative of adverse product flow conditions and pipeline operating conditions. Furthermore, one or more drones can be used for using one or more sensors thereof for monitoring and assessing activity within an area adjacent to the respective one of the drones (e.g., the area surrounding the pipeline) and environmental conditions of the area adjacent to the respective one of the drones.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to monitoring of operating conditions of structural members and, more particularly, to methods and systems for monitoring activity and/or environmental conditions of an area surrounding a pipeline.

BACKGROUND

Pipelines that carry fluids such as refined or unrefined liquid hydrocarbon products or gaseous hydrocarbon products are well known. Such pipelines are examples of structural members for which it is necessary to monitor operating condition information thereof and an environment surrounding such structural members. Such structural members can have a solid cross sectional construction or have an interior space. In the specific case of a pipeline, the structural members are typically elongated tubular members (e.g., pipes) having a round cross-sectional shape defining an interior space. Such elongated tubular members used in land-based pipelines are a prime example of structural members for which it is necessary to monitor operating condition information thereof and the environment surrounding such structural members.

It is well known that pipelines are often subjected to various types of adverse operating conditions that can affect the intended transport and/or delivery of product flowing through such pipelines. Examples of such adverse operating conditions include, but are not limited to, pipeline clogs, pipeline breaches, pipeline tampering and the like. Pipeline clogs often occurs due to build-up of naturally occurring thixotropic components (e.g., wax deposits), build-up of naturally occurring hydrate-based components (e.g., ice) and the like. Pipeline breaches can result from naturally occurring events (e.g., earthquakes, tornadoes, etc.), from manmade events (e.g., drilling/tapping of holes in the pipeline), tampering with control values of the pipeline (e.g., product dump valves), and the like.

With respect to pipeline breaches that occur due to manmade events, it is also well known that such manmade pipeline breaches are often a result of malicious activities directed to stealing product that is flowing through the pipeline. For example, in the case of a pipeline carrying gasoline or other refined fuel product, theft of such product involves drilling/tapping into the pipeline at a remote location and extracting the product into a container. In many cases, due to the volume of product available and the remote location(s) at which such theft can be undertaken, it is possible for literally millions of dollars of product to be stolen from a given pipeline on an annual basis. In addition to the loss of revenue from the stolen product, there exists the potential for significant damage or destruction of portions of the pipeline that can further adversely impact revenue generation.

Some pipeline operators monitor the flow of product through a pipeline in a manner that provides the potential for detecting theft of product by unauthorized extraction of such product. For example, a pipeline operator may monitor volumetric flow, pressure and/or the like at various points along a length of the pipeline to determine if product is being stolen from the pipeline. In an attempt to circumvent a pipeline operator monitoring the flow of product through the pipeline for allowing the detect of theft, criminals engaged in the theft of product from such a pipeline have been known to manipulate the flow of such product in an attempt to preclude such product flow monitoring from detecting product being stolen by unauthorized extraction thereof from the pipeline. To this end, for example, criminals have been known to inject a relatively low-cost or free liquid such as water into a pipeline at a location adjacent to a location at which product is being extracted. This injected liquid serves to maintain flow characteristics in the pipeline and thereby prevent detection of the product being stolen by its unauthorized extraction from the pipeline.

Therefore, systems and methods configured to monitor activity and/or environmental conditions of an area surrounding a pipeline independently of or in combination with monitoring vibrations and other operating condition signals of a pipeline that can be indicative of theft of product from the pipeline would be advantageous, desirable and useful.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods configured to monitor vibrations and other signals in a pipeline to detect adverse pipeline operating conditions such as pipeline clogs, pipeline breaches, pipeline tampering, and the like. In some embodiments, such adverse pipeline operating conditions are indicative of activities associated with theft of product from the pipeline. In preferred embodiments, systems and methods utilize fiber optic sensors for monitoring vibrations and other signals in elongated tubular members making up the pipeline. To this end, such fiber optic sensors can be strategically placed at a plurality of locations along a length of each elongated tubular member (e.g., every 1000 feet to every half mile) thereby allowing monitoring of critical operating conditions such as strain, temperature and pressure of the elongated tubular member and/or a fluid therein, as well as vibrations and other signals indicative of adverse product flow conditions and pipeline operating conditions.

Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide a simple yet effective and reliable approach of monitoring pipeline operating conditions for detecting pipeline breach events and/or tampering events. Such detection of pipeline breach events and/or tampering events is facilitated by monitoring signal output of fiber optic sensors strategically placed along a length of each segment/branch of the pipeline. In embodiments of the present invention, spacing of the fiber optic sensors is implemented for adverse events to be isolated to a suitable degree of resolution (e.g., within 1000 feet to half mile of the location of such event). Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention advantageously allow for such fiber optic sensors to be installed before or after deployment of the elongated tubular members. In preferred embodiments, the fiber optic sensors are integrated into respective sensor housing, which allow a plurality of fiber optic sensors to the mounted on an elongated tubular member through mounting of the sensor housing thereon. Operating condition information, vibration information and the like from the fiber optic sensors of a plurality of sensor housings is communicated to a data acquisition system through one or more optical fibers.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of monitoring an area surrounding a pipeline comprises a plurality of operations. An operation of associating one or more pipeline monitoring drones with a pipeline comprising a plurality of tubular members that jointly define a flow passage thereof through which fluid material flows is performed. Such associating the one or more pipeline monitoring drones with the pipeline includes assigning each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones with a pipeline monitoring flight path including a portion thereof that parallels a designated portion of a length of the pipeline. An operation of deploying the one or more pipeline monitoring drones on a pipeline monitoring flight in accordance with the flight path assigned thereto is performed, followed by an operation of receiving, from each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones during the pipeline monitoring flight thereof, one or more signals outputted from each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones conveying information generated by one or more sensors of a respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones being performed. The information generated by the one or more sensors of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones characterizes at least one of activity (e.g., of a living organism) within an area (e.g., the area surrounding the pipeline) adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones and environmental conditions within the area adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones. Thereafter or in combination therewith, an operation of analyzing at least a portion of the information generated by the one or more sensors of each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones to identify at least a portion of said signals indicating a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline is performed.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus comprising a plurality of pipeline monitoring drones and a pipeline monitoring system. Each of the pipeline monitoring drones is deployed on a pipeline monitoring flight path assigned thereto. A portion of the pipeline monitoring flight path parallels a designated portion of a length of a pipeline. Each one of the pipeline monitoring drones has one or more sensors adapted for using information received from an area adjacent to a respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones to generate information characterizing at least one of activity (e.g., of a living organism) within an area (e.g., the area surrounding the pipeline) adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones and environmental conditions within the area adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones. Each one of the pipeline monitoring drones is adapted to transmit a signal conveying said characterizing information generated thereby. The pipeline monitoring system is adapted to receive the signal conveying the characterizing information of each one of the pipeline monitoring drones during the pipeline monitoring flight thereof and to analyze at least a portion of the characterizing information to identify at least a portion of said signals indicating a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid transmission pipeline facility comprising a pipeline having a flow passage therein through which fluid material can flow, a plurality of fiber optic sensor assemblies each mounted on an exterior surface of the pipeline at a respective position along a length of the pipeline, a flow event assessment drone adapted to output one or more signals conveying information generated by one or more sensors thereof and a pipeline monitoring system coupled to the fiber optic sensor assemblies. Each one of the fiber optic sensor assemblies outputs a pipeline operating condition signal characterizing an operating condition of the pipeline the respective position of the pipeline. The pipeline monitoring system is coupled to the fiber optic sensor assemblies for enabling reception of the operating condition characterizing signals therefrom and is coupled to the flow event assessment drone for providing a flow event assessment flight path thereto. The pipeline monitoring system is adapted to receive the operating condition characterizing signals, to use the operating condition characterizing signals for determining a position of the pipeline at which a potential flow affecting event is located and to deploy the flow event assessment drone on a flow event assessment flight characterized by a flow event assessment flight path that enables the flow event assessment drone to travel along an unrestricted path of flight for arriving at the position at which the potential flow affecting event is located.

These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing an operating condition monitoring apparatus configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor housing assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view of a fiber optic sensor configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a temperature-indicating fiber optic sensor configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view showing a detected signal in accordance with wavelength division multiplexing for a plurality of fiber optic sensors.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a fiberoptic cable configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a length of unjacketed optical fiber extending over an exterior surface of an elongated tubular member and covered by a layer of protective material.

FIG. 10 is a multi-tubular member operating condition monitoring apparatus configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view showing a multiplexing unit providing for signaling via a first end of a contiguous optical fiber structure.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view showing the multiplexing unit of FIG. 11 providing for signaling via both first and second ends of the contiguous optical fiber structure when a discontinuity is detected therein.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view showing the multiplexing unit of FIG. 11 providing for reconfiguration of constituent lengths of optical fiber of the contiguous optical fiber structure when a discontinuity is detected therein.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a typical pipeline, before deployment in a subsea environment.

FIG. 15 is a side view showing fiber optic sensors as applied to the exterior wall of the pipeline.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a collector for collecting the data from a plurality of sensors attached to the pipeline.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an alternative collector for collecting the data from a plurality of sensors attached to the pipeline.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of a pipeline system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a method of implementing management of operating conditions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 20-22 each show a resultant frequency response (i.e., signature) corresponding to one or more respective flow affecting events, which are each shown relative to a baseline frequency response.

FIG. 23 shows a time-based view of two sensors indicating a change in a normalized or baselined operating condition for a given set of sensors.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a pipeline monitoring system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view showing a first state of a fluid transmission pipeline facility configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view showing a second state of the fluid transmission pipeline facility of FIG. 25 .

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram showing a method configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for monitoring an area surrounding a pipeline

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic view of a computer network configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic view of a data processing apparatus for implementing at least a portion of a pipeline monitoring system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 includes an elongated tubular member 102 that is connected to a support structure 104. A plurality of sensor housing assemblies 106 a-106 n are mounted in a spaced-apart arrangement along a length of the elongated tubular member 102. The sensor housing assemblies 106 a-106 n are connected to each other and to an optical sensing module 107, such as at a signaling port thereof, by a fiberoptic cable 108.

The sensor housing assemblies 106 a-106 n, the optical sensing module 107 and the fiberoptic cable 108 jointly provide for operating condition information for the elongated tubular member 102, a fluid within the elongated tubular member 102, or both to be generated, communicated and monitored. As discussed below in greater detail, each one of the sensor housing assemblies 106 a-106 n includes one or more fiber optic sensors (not specifically shown in FIG. 1 ) that are configured for generating specific respective operating condition information. Examples of such operating condition information includes, but is not limited to, strain within a wall of the elongated tubular member 102, pressure within an interior space of the elongated tubular member 102, torsion applied to the elongated tubular member 102, temperature of the wall or surface of the elongated tubular member 102, temperature of a fluid within the interior space of the elongated tubular member 102, and flow confirmation of a fluid within the interior space of the elongated tubular member 102.

Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular elongated tubular member 102 or support structure 104. However, in many applications, a given elongated tubular member will typically be used in association with a corresponding support structure. For example, where the support structure is a tension leg platform (TLP), an elongated tubular member thereof may be a tension leg or a riser. In another example, where the support structure is a wellhead, an elongated tubular member thereof may be a pipeline or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 , specific aspects of the sensor housing assemblies 106 a-106 n are presented. As shown in FIG. 2 , each of the sensor housing assemblies 106 a-106 n may include one or more longitudinal strain fiber optic sensors 110, one or more hoop strain fiber optic sensors 112, one or more torsional strain fiber optic sensors 114, and one or more temperature-sensing fiber optic sensors 116. Preferably, a temperature-sensing fiber optic sensor used as a temperature compensation sensor is located in close proximity to associated strain fiber optic sensors, but is isolated from the strain field (e.g., as provided for by the tubular member interface body 118 of the temperature-sensing fiber optic sensor 116 discussed below in reference to FIG. 6 ).

In preferred embodiments, each one of the fiber optic sensors is integrated into a sensor housing 117 of a respective one of the sensor housing assemblies 106 a-106 n. Each one of the fiber optic sensors 110-116 has a tubular member interface body 118 that is exposed at an interface surface 119 of the sensor housing 117 that defines a central passage 120 thereof. An exterior surface of the elongated tubular member is engaged with (e.g., bonded to) the tubular member interface body 118. A longitudinal axis of the central passage 120 extends approximately parallel with a longitudinal axis of the elongated tubular member 102. In preferred embodiments, four (4) longitudinal strain fiber optic sensors 110, which are preferably angularly spaced by 90 degrees around the central passage 120 of the sensor housing 117, may be placed within the sensor housing 117 of a respective one of the sensor housing assemblies 106 a-106 n.

Preferably, the sensor housing 117 is a one-piece structure made from a resilient polymeric material. Examples of such a one-piece structure include, but are not limited to casting structures and molded structures. For allowing the elongated tubular member 102 to be disposed within the central passage 120 of the sensor housing 117, the sensor housing 117 may include a slot 122 or other feature therein for allowing the elongated tubular member 102 to be placed into the central passage 120 and fixedly secured to the sensor housing 117. To this end, the sensor housing is preferably made in a manner (e.g., made from a resilient material) for enabling a width of the slot 122 or configuration of such other feature to be selectively manipulated (e.g., increased by flexure of the sensor housing 117).

Referring to FIGS. 2-6 , the tubular member interface body 118 of each one of the fiber optic sensors (110-116) has a tubular member engagement portion 124 that is exposed at the interface surface 119 of the sensor housing 117 and an optical fiber engagement portion 126 that is within the sensor housing 117. This arrangement allows for the sensor housing 117 and thus the tubular member interface bodies 118 thereof to be engaged with an exterior surface of the elongated tubular member 102. In preferred embodiments, the tubular member interface bodies 118 are bonded to the exterior surface of the elongated tubular member 102 by use of a suitable bonding material. Such a suitable bonding material (e.g., a 2-part epoxy resin or the like) will enable temperature and strain exhibited at the exterior surface of the elongated tubular member 102 to be imparted upon the tubular member interface body(ies) 118 thereof with negligible attenuation. Preferably, the tubular member interface bodies 118 are made from a metallic material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is substantially the same as a coefficient of thermal expansion of a material from which the elongated tubular member 102 is made and have a thickness oat optimized required structural integrity with respect to transmission of strain and/or heat transfer.

As best shown in FIGS. 2-5 , each tubular member interface body 118 used for providing strain-specific operating condition information (e.g., of sensors 110-114) preferably has a length that is substantially greater than a width thereof, are orientated with the length direction extending substantially parallel to the direction of the related strain, and have spaced-apart, substantially-parallel opposing major surfaces (i.e., the tubular member engagement portion 124 and the optical fiber engagement portion 126 each define a respective one of the spaced-apart opposing major surfaces). As best shown in FIG. 6 , the tubular member interface body 118 used for providing temperature-specific operating condition information (e.g., of sensor 116) is L-shaped and has an end surface 128 and side surface 130 that respectively defining an end face thereof and a side face thereof. The end surface 128 is the tubular member engagement portion 124 and the side surface 130 is the optical fiber engagement portion 126.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6 , the optical fiber engagement portion 126 of each tubular member interface body 118 is attached to an optical fiber 134 of the fiberoptic cable 108 at an operating condition signal generating portion 132 thereof. Each tubular member interface body 118 and the attached operating condition signal generating portion 132 of the optical fiber 134 jointly for a respective one of the fiber optic sensor (110-116). Attachment of the optical fiber 134 to the optical fiber engagement portion 126 of the tubular member interface body 118 in combination with the material selection and dimension of the tubular member interface body 118 preferably provides for negligible attenuation of strain events (i.e., expansion-contraction) and thermal events (i.e., temperature change) exhibited at the exterior surface of the elongated tubular member being imparted upon the operating condition signal generating portion 132 of the strain-sensing fiber optic sensors 110-114. To this end, in preferred embodiments, such attachment includes bonding with a suitable bonding material 135 (e.g., a 2-part epoxy resin or the like). Advantageously, fiber optic sensors configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention involve no penetrations into the elongated tubular member to gain access to operating condition information of a fluid therein. It is disclosed herein that the fiber-optic cable 108 can comprise a plurality of interconnected segments of cable, that the fiberoptic cable 108 can comprise more than one optical fibers, and that the one or more optical fibers of one or more segments of fiber-optic cable can be connected in an end-to-end manner to form a contiguous optical fiber structure.

The optical fiber 134 includes a light transmitting structure 136 (e.g., a cladded core) and a polymeric coating 138 formed directly on the light transmitting structure 136. Polyimide and polyacrylate are examples of such polymeric material. It is disclosed herein that the light transmitting structure 136 (e.g., the core or cladding thereof) can contain Germania and/or Ebrium dopants for signal amplification and can be made of a single mode of silica glass. A signal generating portion of an optical fiber containing such a dopant is an example of being adapted for mitigating signal attenuation resulting from exertion of forces from pressure within a subsea environment.

Advantageously, the applicants herein have discovered that, when the optical fiber 134 has a polyimide coating, the optical fiber can be bonded directly to the optical fiber engagement portion 126 without removal of such polyimide coating. In contrast, when the optical fiber 134 has a polyacrylate coating, the polyacrylate coating is preferably removed from the light transmitting structure 136 of the optical fiber 134 such that the light transmitting structure 136 of the optical fiber 134 can be bonded directly to the optical fiber engagement portion 126. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, applicant believes that one or more mechanical/physical properties of the polyimide material provide for negligible attenuation of strain and thermal events exhibited within the exterior surface of the elongated tubular member 102 being communicated to the operating condition signal generating portion 132 of the optical fiber 134. Examples of such mechanical/physical properties of the polyimide material include, but are not limited to, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and coefficient of friction.

The operating condition signal generating portion 132 of the optical fiber 134 is within light transmitting structure 136. In preferred embodiments, the optical fiber 134 includes a plurality of operating condition signal generating portions spaced along its length, whereby each one of the fiber optic sensors 110-116 positioned along a length of the elongated tubular member 102 comprises a respective one of the operating condition signal generating portions. Each operating condition signal generating portion 132 of the optical fiber 134 is configured to interact with a respective different wavelength of light that is transmitted along the length of the optical fiber 134 within the light transmitting structure 136 (i.e., transmitted signal). Such interaction generates a corresponding signal (i.e., detected signal) that characterizes a changes in the strain and/or temperature exhibited within the operating condition signal generating portion 132 with respect to baseline strain and/or temperature. By assessing the detected signal for a particular one of the fiber optic sensors 110-116, operating condition information of the elongated tubular member 102 and/or a fluid therein at a location of the particular one of the fiber optic sensors 110-116 can be determined such as by a suitably configured algorithm of a data acquisition system.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a detected signal in accordance with wavelength division multiplexing for a plurality of fiber optic sensors that each have an operating condition signal generating portion that is responsive to a different wavelength of a transmitted signal (i.e., a pulse of laser light of a known spectrum of wavelength). When the operating condition signal generating portion of each fiber optic sensor is subjected to the transmitted signal, it produces a reflected signal having a power peak 140 at the responsive wavelength thereof for each one of n fiber optic sensors. For example, a data acquisition system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can claim power greater than 20 dB within an interrogator thereof. The wavelength of the reflected signal for a particular one of the fiber optic sensors shifts higher or lower as a function of changes in length of the operating condition signal generating portion thereof due to expansion and contraction resulting from changes in strain within the elongated tubular member, change in temperature of the elongated tubular member, change in temperature of the operating condition signal generating portion of the optical fiber and/or force exerted on the operating condition signal generating portion of the optical fiber from exposure to hydrostatic pressure from a subsea environment.

Through use of one or more fiber optic sensors that sense changes in strain within the elongated tubular member and at least one adjacent fiber optic sensor that monitors temperature at the location of the elongated tubular member where the strain-sensing fiber optic sensors are located, one or more of the operating conditions can be derived. Such operating conditions include, but are not limited to, strain within a wall of an elongated tubular members, pressure within an interior space of the elongated tubular members, torsion applied to the elongated tubular members, temperature of the wall or surface of the elongated tubular members, temperature of a fluid within the interior space of the elongated tubular members, and flow confirmation of a fluid within the interior space of the elongated tubular members.

Bragg grating, which are well-known to a person of ordinary skill in the art of optical fibers, is a preferred implementation of the operating condition signal generating portion 132 of the optical fiber 134. Wavelength for the Bragg gratings may range from about 1200 to about 1700 nanometers with reflectively thereon being generally greater than about 10% and preferably greater than about 90%. Although Bragg gratings are a preferred implementation of the operating condition signal generating portion 132, it is disclosed herein that other implementations of generating operating condition information are also contemplated herein. By way of example, such other that other implementations of generating operating condition information include, but are not limited to, distributed strain signal generating techniques, Sagano signal generating techniques, Micheloson signal generating techniques, and Fabry Pero signal generating techniques. It is also disclosed herein that electrical based sensors such as restive strain gauges, accelerometers, and/or potentiometers may optionally be used (e.g., in combination with fiber optic sensors) for generating operating condition information. Furthermore, it is disclosed herein that optical time domain reflectrometry methods are integrated into the Bragg gratings or other similarly configured operating condition signal generating portion for temperature monitoring.

FIG. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of the fiberoptic cable 108. The fiberoptic cable 108 includes an outer jacket 150 formed over a tubular armor layer 152 that is within a central passage 154 of the outer jacket. An end portion 156 of the outer jacket 150 and the tubular armor layer 152 is secured within the sensor housing 117. A plurality of optical fibers 134 extend within the central passage 154. A length of each one of the optical fibers extends beyond the end portion 156 of the outer jacket 150 from within the central passage 154 and into the sensor housing 117. For example, as discussed above in reference to FIGS. 2-6 , one or more of the optical fibers 134 has operating condition signal generating portions 132 thereof attached to a respective tubular member interface body 118 for forming the optical fiber sensors 110-116 and, thus, extends beyond the end portion 156 of the outer jacket 150.

At least a portion of each one of the lengths of the optical fibers that spans between the respective tubular member interface body 118 and the end portion 154 of the outer jacket 150 is disposed within a layer of a viscous material composition 158. The optical fibers 134 can each extend within a respective inner jacket 160. Where the optical fiber 135 extends from the central passage 154 into the sensor housing 117 and is within the inner jacket 160, the viscous material composition 158 is preferably within the inner jacket 160. When the optical fiber 134 extends beyond an end portion of inner jacket 160 and/or there is no inner jacket (i.e., unjacketed optical fiber), a layer of the viscous material composition 158 may be provided onto the optical fiber 134 such as, for example, where it spans over the elongated tubular member 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , a length of unjacketed optical fiber 134 extends over the exterior surface of the elongated tubular member 102 and is covered by a layer of protective material 161 (e.g., a layer of polymeric material such as polyurethane). In such case, the length of unjacketed optical fiber 134 is preferably disposed within a layer of the viscous material composition 158.

In applications where the optical fiber is without protection of the tubular armor layer 152 and is subjected to pressure from use in a subsea environment, the applicant has discovered that disposing the optical fiber 132 within a layer of viscous material composition is advantageous. Without wishing to be bound to any specific theory, applicant believes that the layer of viscous material serves as a hydrostatic support that aids in mitigating non-uniform cross-sectional compression of the optical fiber and that aids in limiting the occurrence of ‘microbends’ resulting from the optical fiber being forced against small-radius/sharp discontinuities with mating surfaces of the sensor housing 117 or elongated tubular member 102.

The viscous material composition preferably exhibits a relatively uniform level of viscosity across a wide range of temperatures. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the viscous material composition is a grease that has an oil viscosity index of not less than about 120, a temperature range having an upper limit of at least about 200° C., and an oil viscosity of at least about 3.0 at 200° C. Examples of a grease (i.e., a viscous material composition) exhibiting such thermal viscosity stability are commercially-available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company under the tradename and grades of KRYTOX GPL 205(H-1), KRYTOX GPL 206(H-1), KRYTOX GPL 207, KRYTOX GPL 216, KRYTOX GPL 217, KRYTOX GPL 250AC, and KRYTOX GPL280AC.

Applicant has discovered that exposure of optical fibers to pressure of a subsea environment can result in attenuation of a reflected signal within an optical fiber. It is theorized that such attenuation can be due to cross-sectional distortion of the optical fiber such as, for example, resulting from impingement of the optical fiber upon discontinuities that create microbends in the optical fiber, from compression of the optical fiber against otherwise flat, sufficiently rigid surfaces, and the like. The result is a reduction in signal power and distortion of the signal profile, both of which can be detrimental to accurate assessment of operating condition information. As discussed above, the use of a viscous material composition can aid in mitigating such attenuation. Optionally or additionally to use of such viscous material composition, the operating condition signal generating portions of an optical fiber (e.g., a light reflecting grating thereof) can be adapted to at least partially mitigate signal attenuation caused by force exerted on the optical fiber by the subsea environment. For example, the operating condition signal generating portions of the optical fiber can be formed such that the light reflecting grating thereof is configured to provide a designated Bragg condition exhibited at an environmental pressure of one atmosphere when the optical fiber is subjected to a pressure exerted thereon by the subsea environment. In preferred embodiments, the environmental pressure corresponds to a subsea depth between about 1000 feet and about 5000 feet. Alternatively, or additionally, the operating condition signal generating portions of the optical fiber can be formed such that the light reflecting grating is adapted to produce a signal having a peak amplitude that is at least about 50 dB and preferably not less than about 10 dB when in an environmental condition of 1 atmosphere.

In a preferred embodiment, the signal generating portion of an optical fiber is adapted to at least partially mitigating the signal attenuation effect resulting from forces exerted on the optical fiber (e.g., including the signal generating portion thereof) by a subsea environment. In such an embodiment, a light reflecting grating within the optical fiber (i.e., the signal generating portion of the optical fiber) is located a subsea depth between 1000 feet and 5000 feet. The signal generating portion of the optical fiber being adapted to at least partially mitigate signal attenuation includes the light reflecting grating being adapted to produce a signal having a peak power amplitude that is approximately equal to that in an environmental condition of 1 atmosphere when subjected to the pressure exerted thereon by the subsea environment

As discussed above, use of fiber optic sensors in accordance with embodiments of the present invention within a subsea environment can result in attenuation of a reflected signal within an optical fiber used to communication signals to and from such fiber optic sensors. This attenuation is an example of environment-induced signal degradation. To further mitigate such environment-induced signal degradation, apparatuses and systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be calibrated to account for the environmental effects (e.g., a subsea environment) and normalize optical fiber sensor signal of each one of a plurality of such sensors based on its respective location within the subsea environment.

In an embodiment of the present invention, such calibration comprises a plurality of steps. A step is performed for deploying an elongated tubular member in a subsea environment. The elongated tubular member has mounted thereon one or more fiber optic sensors that are each adapted for generating a respective form of operating condition information. In this respect, each one of the fiber optic sensors, which can be configured in the manner discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-6 , is an operating condition sensor. A step is performed for causing an operating condition information signal to be transmitted from the fiber optic sensors to a data acquisition system (which can serve as a calibration apparatus) via one or more optical fibers of a fiberoptic cable. As discussed above, the operating condition information signal can be generated by an operating condition signal generating portion of the one or more optical fibers in response to being exposed to a transmitted signal of a given wavelength bandwidth.

In response to the data acquisition system receiving the operating condition information signal, a step is performed for determining an amount of attenuation of the operating condition information signal with respect to a non-subsea environment. An environment comprising an atmosphere of air at a pressure of 1 atmosphere is an example of the non-subsea environment. In response to determining the amount of attenuation, a step is performed for calibrating signal processing functionality of the data acquisition system as a function of the attenuation of the operating condition information signal with respect to the non-subsea environment. For example, in a preferred embodiment, such calibration offsets at least a portion of the attenuation caused by force exerted on the one or more optical fibers by pressure within the subsea environment. Offsetting at least a portion of the attenuation caused by force exerted on the one or more optical fibers by pressure within the subsea environment can include, for example, offsetting wavelength shift in a signal from the at least one operating condition sensor within the subsea environment as a function of a baseline signal generated by the operating condition sensor at atmospheric (i.e., baseline) conditions and can include, for example, offsetting reflectivity (e.g., peak reflectivity) in a signal from the at least one operating condition sensor within the subsea environment as a function of a baseline signal generated by the operating condition sensor at atmospheric (i.e., baseline) conditions.

Temperature and pressure are examples of such atmospheric conditions. Such offsetting of the wavelength shift can include, for example, determining wavelength shift in at least one of an axial direction of the elongated tubular member and a hoop direction of the elongated tubular member, offsetting the wavelength shift as a function of a differential between a baseline temperature and a temperature of the subsea environment at a location of the operating condition sensor. Such offsetting of reflectivity can include, for example, determining a power peak ratio between the atmospheric and subsea environments (e.g., as a function of subsea depth and/or temperature) and setting a maximum power peak (i.e., reference or baseline power peak) at a designated subsea depth based upon such power peak ratio. Signal processing functionality in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but is not limited to, using a shift in a baseline (i.e., reference) wavelength reflected by a particular operating condition sensor to determine strain exerted on the particular operating condition sensor (i.e., the operating condition signal generating portion thereof).

It is disclosed herein that power peak of a signal from an operating condition sensor (i.e., a fiber optic sensor) decreases with increasing subsea depth at which the operating condition sensor is located. For example, the power peak at a first depth is 90% that at atmospheric conditions, is 75% at a second depth that is greater than the first depth, and is 50% at a third depth that is greater than the second depth. Calibration of power peak of a particular operating condition sensor as a function of depth serves to offset the power peak of the particular operating condition sensor to account for signal mitigation thereof at the subsea depth of the particular operating condition sensor. A power peak of about 50 decibels (dB) is preferred but can optionally be as low as 10 (dB).

It is disclosed herein that signal power can be affected by a plurality of variables. Examples of such variables include, but are not necessarily limited to, input power (i.e., laser light output into the optical fiber), distance to a particular fiber optic sensor from the point of laser light, reflectivity of an operating condition signal generating portion of the optical fiber (e.g., a light reflecting grating thereof), and signal attenuation of the optical fiber. In typical embodiments, input power, distance and glass attenuation are fixed for a particular fiber optic sensor. Thus, reflectivity is the primary variable that is subject to effect of pressure and/or temperature associated with the sensor being located at a respective subsea depth. The operating condition signal generating portion of the optical fiber exhibits physical (e.g., dimensional) change from forces associated with pressure in a subsea environment. A change in cross-sectional shape from round to oval/elliptical (e.g., at or away from an operating condition signal generating portion of the optical fiber) due to force from subsea pressure exerted on the optical fiber is an example of such physical change. The physical change contributes or results in wavelength shift and/or power peak degradation.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition system is adapted to receive a signal comprising operating condition information from a plurality of fiber optic sensors. The data acquisition system, which can comprise an optical sensing module and/or a multiplexing unit with a time division multiplexing module, is adapted to utilize WDM to derive information for a plurality of operating conditions using information received from the plurality of fiber optic sensors. One example of such operating condition information is strain within the exterior wall of the elongated tubular member as a function of a signal wavelength generated by the operating condition signal generating portion of a first one of the fiber optic sensors. Another example of such operating condition information is pressure of a fluid within the central passage of the elongated tubular member as a function of a signal wavelength generated by the operating condition signal generating portion of a second one of the fiber optic sensors. Yet another example of such operating condition information is temperature of the fluid within the central passage of the elongated tubular member as a function of a signal wavelength generated by the operating condition signal generating portion of a third one of the fiber optic sensors.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , a multi-tubular member monitoring apparatus 200 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The multi-tubular member monitoring apparatus 200 includes a plurality of elongated tubular member 202 that are connected to a support structure 204. A plurality of sensor housing assemblies 205 a-205 n, 206 a-206 n are mounted in a spaced-apart arrangement along a length of a respective one of the elongated tubular members 202 a-202 n. The sensor housing assemblies 205 a-205 n, 206 a-206 n and the fiber optic sensors thereof provide the same or similar functionality as the sensor housing assemblies and the fiber optic sensors discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-6 .

The sensor housing assemblies 205 a-205 n of a first one of the elongated tubular members 202 a by a first optical cable 208 a and the sensor housing assemblies 206 a-206 n of an n-th one of the elongated tubular members 202 n are connected to each other by an n-th optical cable 208 b. The plurality of fiberoptic cables 1-n are connected to a multiplexing unit (MUX) 211 of a signal processor 213 for enabling signals generated by the sensor housing assemblies 205 a-205 n, 206 a-206 n to be provided to the signal processor 213. The MUX 211 is connected to an optical sensing module 209 and includes a Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) module 215. The optical sensing module 209 of FIG. 10 , as well as the optical sensing module 107 of FIG. 1 , can provide signal processing functionality and calibration functionality, as discussed above.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the MUX 211 includes a plurality of optical fiber interfaces 217 a-217 n each having a downstream facing port 219 and an upstream facing port 221. The upstream facing port 219 of each one of the optical fiber interfaces 217 a-217 n is connectable to each other one of the upstream facing ports 219 for allowing each end of each one of a plurality of optical fibers 223 a-223 n of one or more fiberoptic cables (e.g., the fiberoptic cables 208 a-208 n) to be operably connected to the downstream facing port of a respective one of the optical fiber interfaces 217 a-217 n such that at least two of the optical fibers are connected to each in a series fashion to form a contiguous optical fiber structure having opposing ends. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the contiguous optical fiber structure comprises the plurality of optical fibers 223 a-223 n. The upstream facing port connected to an end of the contiguous optical fiber structure is connected to a first signaling port of the optical sensing module 209 via a first signaling port 225 a of the MUX 211 for enabling sensor data generated within the contiguous optical fiber structure to be provided from the MUX 211 to the optical sensing module 209.

As shown in FIG. 11 , signaling is performed in a conventional manner, which is via a first one of the ends of the contiguous optical fiber structure. Advantageously, however, the MUX 211 and, optionally, the TDM module 215 of the MUX 211 also allow multiple configurations of signal being provided from the first and second fiber optic cables 208, 209 to the optical sensing module 209 in the case where one or more discontinuities occur within the contiguous optical fiber structure.

As shown in FIG. 12 , when a discontinuity 227 occur within a particular one or more of the one optical fibers 223 a-223 n of the contiguous optical fiber structure (e.g., optical fiber 223 b), the MUX 211 may be adapted to implement an operating condition signal to be provided at both of the opposing ends of the contiguous optical fiber structure and monitoring a respective operating condition signal at both of the ends of the contiguous optical fiber structure. For example, in a preferred implementation of the operating condition signal being provided at both of the opposing ends of the contiguous optical fiber structure and monitoring the respective operating condition signal at both of such ends, a first operating condition signal provided via at a first end of the contiguous optical fiber structure and a second operating condition signal provided via at a second end of the contiguous optical fiber structure is monitored by the optical sensing module 209. The TDM module 215 of the MUX 211 can be used for enabling monitoring of the first operating condition signal provided via at the first end of the contiguous optical fiber structure and the second operating condition signal provided via at the second end of the contiguous optical fiber structure via a single signaling port of the optical sensing module 209.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13 , when the discontinuity 227 occurs within the particular one or more of the optical fibers 223 a-223 n of the contiguous optical fiber structure (e.g., optical fiber 223 b), the MUX 211 may be adapted to implement excluding (e.g., bypass) the particular one or more of the optical fibers 223 a-223 n from within the contiguous optical fiber structure to create a reconfigured version of the contiguous optical fiber structure and continuing to monitor the operating condition signal provided at the first end of the contiguous optical fiber structure (i.e., via the first signaling port 225 a of the MUX). It is disclosed herein that the abovementioned functionalities of the MUX 211 may be implemented manually and/or in an automated manner using optical switches and/or physical couplings. For example, in a preferred implementation of the particular one or more of the optical fibers 223 a-223 n being excluded from within the contiguous optical fiber structure, detaching the particular one or more of the optical fibers 223 a-223 n can include detaching first and second ends of the particular one or more of the optical fibers 223 a-223 n from a corresponding end of adjacent ones of the optical fibers 223 a-223 n and connecting together the corresponding ends of the adjacent ones of optical fibers 223 a-223 n.

It is disclosed herein that the above-mentioned MUX functionalities can be implemented in response to a signal assessment process. The signal assessment process may begin with monitoring an operating condition signal provided at one of the ends of the contiguous optical fiber structure to determine operating condition information generated by the operating condition sensors thereof, followed by detecting loss of operating condition information corresponding to at least one of the individual lengths of optical fiber. In response to detecting the loss of operating condition information, the signal assessment process causes reconfiguration of the monitoring of the operating condition signal in accordance with at least one of the above-mentioned MUX functionalities

FIGS. 14-17 shown a pipeline system having aspects configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14 , a typical pipeline 310 is positioned for deployment in a subsea environment. As discussed above, the fiber optic sensors are attached directly to the outer wall 312 by an epoxy 14, as shown in FIG. 15 . The data collected by a sensor array is then conducted to a fiber breakout assembly or collector 318 via the fiber optic cable 316, which is attached to the sensors in the array, as disclosed in FIG. 16 . The collected data is then conducted to a topside control room (not shown) via the conductor 320. An alternative collector 322 is shown in FIG. 17 , wherein a plurality of sensor array cables 316 may be connected to a single collector 322 for transmitting the collected data to the topside control room via cable 320.

The cabling, connectors, breakout assemblies and support hardware are designed to provide ruggedness during installation and provide attenuation free light transfer. The system is designed for long service life and has measure incorporated to minimize any light transmittal issues such as fiber darkening from hydrogen infusion. Since there are various local measurement locations along the pipeline fiber breakout assemblies incorporated into the invention. Additionally, there is a combination of fiber optic measurements that are integrated into the system.

Preferably, the system contains a multiple of fiber Bragg grating arrays deployed subsea along the pipeline. All tubing is stainless steel. Where desired, Kevlar jackets may be employed.

The time of flight for the light signal is incorporated in the topside monitoring system in the control room.

Attenuation mitigation is used by the use of a pressure balancing material applied to the fiber optic strands in the fiber optic cables. Preferably, the fiber optic cables are coated with a polyurethane, nylon, or polyethylene coating. Polyurethane and epoxy housings are used on top of the sensor stations.

The subsea sensors use hoop displacement of the pipeline the pipeline to determine product pressure from the exterior of the pipeline. No penetrations into the pipeline are necessary to gain access to the flow stream measurements. The connections are designed with a small angled ferrule to minimize back reflections.

Fiber bundles are multi-fused (more than one fusion splice) in each breakout assembly to reduce space requirements.

Turning now to FIG. 18 , an embodiment of a pipeline system 400 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The pipeline system 400 includes a pipeline 402, a sensor assembly 404 and a data processing unit 406. The sensor assembly 404 generates signals that characterize operating conditions of the pipeline 402 and/or fluid flowing through the pipeline 402. The sensor assembly 404 provides for such operating condition characterizing signal to be transmitted to the data processing unit 406. The data processing unit 406 processes the signals provided thereto by the sensor assembly 404 to enable assessment of such operation conditions and resultant action in response to such operating conditions.

The sensor assembly 404 includes a plurality of sensors 408 that are each attached to a respective one of one or more cables 410. The sensors 408 are mounted on or otherwise attached to the pipeline 402 at spaced apart locations along a length of the pipeline 402. In preferred embodiments, the sensors are fiber optic sensors having a structure and function such as that discussed above in reference to FIGS. 2-7 . As discussed above, such sensors can each output a signal that quantitatively characterizes a level of longitudinal strain in a wall of the respective one of the plurality of tubular members and, a level of hoop strain in the wall of the respective one of the plurality of tubular members, both, or a combination thereof. In view of the disclosure made herein, a skilled person will appreciate implementation of other types and configurations of sensor that can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The data processing unit 406 processes information generated by the sensors 408. For example, in preferred embodiments, the data processing unit can be an optical sensing module, as discussed above in reference to FIG. 1 , or can be a signal processor, as discussed above in reference to FIG. 10 . In some embodiments, the data processing unit 406 is attached to the sensors 408 directly through the one of more cables 410. Alternatively, the data processing unit 406 can be remotely located from the pipeline 402 and receive information generated by the sensors 408 indirectly. For example, a signal transmitting unit (not shown) can be connected to the sensors 408 local to the pipeline 402 and transmit information generated by the sensors 408 to the remotely located data processing unit 406 in a wired or wireless manner.

The pipeline 402 can include a plurality of pipeline segments. Segments of the pipeline 402 can include branches or legs of the pipeline that are interconnected through, for example, a valve 412 or other type of junction through which fluid that flows through the pipeline can be distributed and/or controlled. Such segments can also include a plurality of discrete lengths of pipeline sections that are attached in an end-to-end manner whereby the pipeline 402 extends over a given distance and/or area.

The pipeline system 400 can be land-based, subsea-based or a combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, none of the pipeline 402 is located within a subsea environment (i.e., land-based). The pipeline system 400 can be subsea-based, whereby at least a portion of the pipeline 402 and all or a portion of the sensors 408 are located within a subsea environment (e.g., as discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1 and 10 ). In view of the disclosures made herein, a skilled person will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular type or configuration of environment, application or installation.

FIG. 19 shows a method 450 of implementing management of operating conditions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 450 is specifically configured for detecting operating conditions in a pipeline that are indicative of one or more adverse flow events and, optionally, enabling implementation of corrective (i.e., resultant) actions to change, mitigate or bring attention to such operating conditions. Examples of such adverse flow events include, but are not limited to pipeline clogs, pipeline breaches, pipeline tampering, and the like. In some embodiments, such adverse pipeline operating conditions are indicative of activities associated with theft of product from the pipeline.

In preferred embodiments, as discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-13 , such implementation of detection of operating conditions that are indicative of one or more adverse flow events utilize fiber optic sensors for monitoring vibrations and other signals in elongated tubular members making up segments of a pipeline. To this end, such fiber optic sensors can be strategically placed at a plurality of locations along a length of each elongated tubular member (e.g., every 1000 feet to every half mile) thereby allowing monitoring of critical operating conditions such as strain, temperature and pressure of the elongated tubular member and/or a fluid therein, as well as vibrations and other signals (e.g., frequency responses) indicative of adverse product flow conditions and pipeline operating conditions.

As shown, the method 450 includes a plurality of operations that can be implemented as a non-transitory computer readable medium executed by one or more data processing devices of a computer or other type of data processor based apparatus. For example, in some embodiments, a data processing unit configured in accordance with the present invention comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium having accessible therefrom instructions defining a method for implementing management of operating conditions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention (e.g., the method 450) and at least one data processing device (e.g., processor(s)) coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium for accessing and executing the instructions to implement such operating condition management functionality.

The method 450 can begin with an operation 452 of receiving one or more signals outputted from one or more fiber optic sensors each mounted on a respective one of a plurality of tubular members that jointly define a pipeline and a flow passage thereof through which fluid material flows, followed by an operation 454 of analyzing each one of received signals being performed. An objective of such analyzing is to identify at least a portion of one or more of the signals that indicates a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline. The method 450 can optionally include (not shown) an operation 451 of calibrating all or a portion of the sensors prior to such analyzing or during such analyzing. Such calibrating can include acquiring one or more reference signals from one or more of the sensors (e.g., in response to a reference signal provided to the one or more of the sensors). After such analyzing is performed, an operation 456 of correlating the signal(s) that indicate a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline to signal characterizing information for one or more known flow affecting events for the pipeline is performed. Analyzing the received signals can include monitoring a level of a signal characterizing parameter of each one of the received signals, with such correlating of signal(s) indicating the potential flow affecting event being initiated in response to determining that the level of the signal characterizing parameter exceeds a prescribed threshold. Specific examples of such thresholds can include a pressure threshold, a temperature threshold, a strain, threshold, a stress threshold, a frequency level threshold and the like.

Specific examples of signals corresponding to such known flow affecting events (i.e., anomalistic reference signals) include, but are not limited to, a signal characterizing formation of a hole within a wall of one of the tubular members defining the flow passage of the pipeline (e.g., drilling of a hole), a signal characterizing a liquid being pumped into the pipeline through the wall of one of the tubular members, (e.g., to mask an unauthorized extraction from the fluid material flowing through the pipeline), a signal characterizing an article (e.g., metallic and/or man-made article) coming into contact with the wall of pipeline (e.g., a drill bit), a signal characterizing the pipeline shifting (i.e., moving) with respect to a support structure upon which the pipeline is supported, and a signal characterizing an obstruction within the flow passage of the pipeline.

Still referring to FIG. 19 , after correlating the signal(s) that indicate a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline to signal characterizing information for one or more known flow affecting events for the pipeline, an operation 458 of outputting a flow affecting event indicating signal can be performed and/or an operation 450 of causing a flow change can be performed. The flow event indicating signal can provide an indication of the specific flow affecting event(s) determined to be present. Examples of causing the flow change include causing flow of the fluid material within the pipeline to be terminated and causing flow of the fluid material within the pipeline to be altered from flowing through a current segment of the pipeline to a different segment of the pipeline (e.g., by issuing a signal that actuates a valve between a plurality of segments of the pipeline).

Correlating the signal(s) that indicate a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline to signal characterizing information for one or more known flow affecting events for the pipeline can include assessing the signal(s) that indicate a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline (e.g., a portion thereof (i.e., a signature thereof)) with respect to reference signal that each characterize a respective one of a plurality of known flow affecting events. In this respect, such correlating can include deriving one or more numeric values from the pipeline operation characterizing information signal that define a numeric signature thereof and computing a numeric deviation value between the numeric signature of the pipeline operation characterizing information signal and a numeric signature corresponding to each one of the known flow affecting events.

Such characterizing of the known flow affecting events thus involves comparing a quantitative characteristic of the signal(s) that indicate a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline to a corresponding quantitative characteristic of one or more reference signals. Examples of such reference signals include, but are not limited to, a signal characterizing a fluid flowing through the pipeline, a signal characterizing the fluid flowing through the pipeline exhibiting change in pressure and/or temperature of a known typical amount (e.g., an amount corresponding to a respective signal characterizing a baseline operating condition), a signal characterizing the fluid flowing through the pipeline exhibiting change in temperature of a known typical amount, a signal characterizing a change in ambient air temperature of a known typical amount and a signal characterizing a change in tubular member wall temperature of a known typical amount. In this respect, each signal that indicates a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline can represent a respective detected flow affecting event signature and the signal characterizing information for each one of the known flow affecting events can represent a respective reference flow affecting event signature. Thus, in view of the disclosures made herein, a skilled person will appreciate that correlating of sensor signals in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include analysis of such signatures with the objective of determining a match therebetween.

FIGS. 20-22 each show a resultant frequency response (i.e., signature) corresponding to one or more flow affecting events, which are each shown relative to a baseline frequency response 482 (i.e., normal operating conditions). FIG. 20 shows a resultant frequency response 484 corresponding to an event such as, for example, an impact on a pipeline (e.g., an article being impinged against a pipeline). FIG. 21 shows a resultant frequency response 486 corresponding to an event such as, for example, a machinery or apparatus acting on the pipeline (e.g., a drilling of a hole in a wall of a pipeline). FIG. 22 shows a resultant frequency response 488 corresponding to an event such as, for example, a shift of the pipeline resulting from a terrain-based (e.g., seismic) event machinery.

FIG. 23 shows a time-based view of two sensors indicating a change in a normalized or baselined operating condition for a given set of sensors. Temperature, pressure, stress and strain are examples or a normalized or baselined operating condition. Such a change in the normalized or baselined operating condition as indicated by a particular sensor relative to one or more upstream sensors can indicate a condition such as an unauthorized extraction of a fluid material (e.g., processed fluid or gas such as natural gas or gasoline or diesel fuel) within a pipeline and/or unauthorized introduction of a fluid material (e.g., a theft-concealing replacement fluid such as water) into the pipeline.

The operations of causing the change in flow of the fluid material through the flow passage of the pipeline and causing the signal characterizing the at least one of the known flow affecting events to be transmitted can be initiated by one or more trigger conditions. One example of such a trigger condition includes correlating a pipeline operation characterizing information signal of the one or more of the sensors to the signal characterizing information for one or more known flow affecting events and, within a prescribed duration of time from such correlating to the signal characterizing information for the one or more known flow affecting events, detecting a change in pressure of the fluid material flowing through the flow passage of the pipeline in excess of a designated pressure change threshold. Another example of such a trigger condition includes correlating the pipeline operation characterizing information signal of the at least one sensor to signal characterizing information corresponding to a hole being formed within a wall defining an exterior surface of the pipeline and, within a prescribed duration of time from such correlating to the signal characterizing information corresponding to the hole being formed, correlating the pipeline operation characterizing information signal of the one or more of the sensors to signal characterizing information corresponding to a liquid being pumped into the pipeline through the wall.

Discussed now are systems, apparatuses and methods configured to monitoring activity and/or environmental conditions of an area surrounding a pipeline. Such systems, apparatuses and methods can utilize one or more drones with one or more sensors thereof being used for monitoring and assessing an area surrounding the pipeline and for monitoring environmental conditions of the area surrounding the pipeline. In combination with the one or more drones, such systems, apparatuses and methods can utilize fiber optic sensors for monitoring vibrations and other signals in elongated tubular members making up the pipeline. Such fiber optic sensors can be strategically placed at a plurality of locations along a length of the pipeline thereby allowing monitoring of critical operating conditions such as strain, temperature and pressure of the pipeline and other signals indicative of adverse product flow conditions and pipeline operating conditions. Signals outputted by the fiber optic sensors can be used for implementing deployment of the one or more drones.

Referring now to FIG. 24 , a fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus 500 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus 500 can include a pipeline monitoring system 502, a plurality of fiber optic sensor assemblies 504 including portions of a fiber optic cable 503 attached to a pipeline 505, one or more pipeline monitoring drones 506 and one or more flow event assessment drones 508. The fiber optic sensor assemblies 504, the one or more pipeline monitoring drones 506 and the one or more flow event assessment drones 508 are coupled to the pipeline monitoring system 502 through a suitable interface for enabling communication of signals therebetween. The suitable interface can be a wired interface, a wireless interface or a combination thereof.

As discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-13 , the plurality of fiber optic sensor assemblies 504 generate and output one or more signals characterizing operating conditions of the pipeline (i.e., tubular members thereof) and/or a fluid material flowing through an internal passage of the pipeline. Examples of such operating conditions include, but are not limited to, temperature within a wall of a tubular member that defines the internal passage, stress within the wall of such tubular member, strain within the wall of such tubular member, vibration frequency within the wall of such tubular member and the line. Alternatively, all or a portion of the fiber optic sensor assemblies 504 can be replaced with one or more conventional (i.e., non-fiber optic) sensor assemblies.

The one or more pipeline monitoring drones 506 and the one or more flow event assessment drones 508 are each equipped with the one or more sensors. The sensors that can be adapted for using information received from an area adjacent to a respective one of the drones to generate information characterizing activity (e.g., of a living organism) within an area (e.g., the area surrounding the pipeline) adjacent to the respective one of the drones, environmental conditions within the area adjacent to the respective one of the drones or a combination thereof. Each one of the drones can be adapted to transmit a signal conveying the characterizing information generated thereby to the pipeline monitoring system 502.

The one or more pipeline monitoring drones 506 and the one or more flow event assessment drones 508 can be of a different configuration for providing different flight capability. For example, the one or more pipeline monitoring drones 506 can be configured to be specifically suited for continuous flight without the capability to hover. Alternatively, the one or more pipeline monitoring drones 506 can be configured to be specifically suited for flight with the capability to hover. As discussed below in greater detail, the one or more flow event assessment drones 508 can be similarly configured as the one or more pipeline monitoring drones 506 or can be differently configured than the one or more pipeline monitoring drones 506.

The pipeline monitoring system 502 can be adapted to deploy each one of the drones dependent upon one or more inputs thereto from one or more drones and/or one or more fiber optic sensor assemblies, to receive signals from the drones, to analyze at least a portion of the characterizing information to identify at least a portion of said signals indicating a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline, and to determine a location of the potential flow affecting event. In preferred embodiments, pipeline monitoring flight targets a maximum and minimum distance between the drone and the pipeline during such the pipeline monitoring flight.

One input in accordance with which a drone can be deployed can be providing of information defining a geographical path plotting a course of a designated length of a pipeline, as shown in the fluid transmission pipeline facility of FIG. 25 , whereby one or more of the pipeline monitoring drones 506 can be associated with the length of the designated length of the pipeline and deployed on a pipeline monitoring flight including a portion thereof that parallels the designated portion of a length of the pipeline. Another such input can be a signal from one drone (e.g., a pipeline monitoring drone 506) that causes deployment of a different drone (e.g., a flow event assessment drone 508), as shown in the fluid transmission pipeline facility of FIG. 26 . For example, in response to the pipeline monitoring system 502 receiving a prescribed type of information (e.g., information indicating a potential flow affecting event E) from a pipeline monitoring drone 506, the pipeline monitoring system 502 can deploy a flow event assessment drone 508 upon a flow event assessment flight thereof to a location at which a pipeline monitoring drone 506 has detected the potential flow affecting event for gathering more detailed information and/or different information from that location. The flow event assessment flight can be characterized by a flow event assessment flight path that enables the flow event assessment drone to travel along an unrestricted path of flight (e.g., path for shortest and/or safest arrival time) for arriving at the position at which the potential flow affecting event is located. Still another such input can be the pipeline monitoring system 502 determining a location at which one of the fiber optic sensor assemblies 504 is located.

In certain embodiments, the pipeline monitoring system 502 can be adapted to implement specific functionality with respect to deploying the one or more pipeline monitoring drones 506, the one or more flow event assessment drones 508 or both. One such specific implementation can involve outputting one or more signals causing manual control of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone, the path of flight of the flow event assessment drone or both. Another such specific implementation can involve activating the one or more sensors of the one or more flow event assessment drones and/or enabling at least a portion of the flow event assessment flight path to be defined by output of the at least one of the one or more sensors of the one or more flow event assessment drones, where one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone senses presence of one or more chemical compositions of a fluid material within the pipeline to which such drone(s) is associated. Another such specific implementation can involve causing information generated by one or more sensors of a respective one of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones to be generated in response to determining that a current location of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones is along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline. Still another such specific implementation can involve determining that the designated portion of the length of the pipeline includes a starting position at a first position along the length of the pipeline and an ending position art a second position along the length of the pipeline and causing each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones to automatically return to the starting position after arriving at the ending position and to thereafter fly along the portion of the pipeline monitoring flight path consisting of the designated portion of the length of the pipeline. Yet another such specific implementation can involve causing adjacent ones of a plurality of pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation distance therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline, causing adjacent ones of the plurality of pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation flight time therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 27 shows a method 550 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for monitoring an area surrounding a pipeline. The method 550 can be implemented using a number of different fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatuses. For example, in one embodiment, the method 550 is implemented using the fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus 500 discussed above in reference to FIGS. 24-26 .

The method 500 can begin with performing an operation 552 of associating one or more pipeline monitoring drones with a pipeline. The pipeline comprises a plurality of tubular members that jointly define a flow passage thereof through which fluid material flows. Such associating the one or more pipeline monitoring drones with the pipeline can include assigning each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones with a pipeline monitoring flight path including a portion thereof that parallels a designated portion of a length of the pipeline.

An operation 554 of deploying the one or more pipeline monitoring drones on a pipeline monitoring flight in accordance with the flight path assigned thereto is performed after such associating and is followed by an operation 556 for receiving sensor information generated by one or more sensors of a respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones (i.e., pipeline monitoring drone sensor information) during the pipeline monitoring flight thereof and transmitted by such respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones. For example, each pipeline monitoring drone can continuously, intermittently or selectively transmit information generated by sensors thereof to a pipeline monitoring system adapted to receive such sensor information, assess such sensor information, implement subsequent actions based on one or more results of such assessment. The information generated by the one or more sensors of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones characterizes at least one of activity (e.g., of a living organism) within an area (e.g., the area surrounding the pipeline) adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones and environmental conditions within the area adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones.

Optionally, an operation 557 can be performed for receiving sensor information from one or more pipeline sensors. Such pipeline sensors can be sensors that are mounted directly on the pipeline for characterizing operating conditions of the pipeline such as, for example, strain, temperature and pressure of the pipeline and/or a fluid therein, as well as vibrations and other signals indicative of adverse product flow conditions and pipeline operating conditions. A preferred embodiment of such pipeline sensors are the fiber optic sensor assemblies discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-13 .

In response to receiving the pipeline monitoring drone sensor information and optionally the pipeline sensor information, an operation 558 is performed for analyzing at least a portion of the pipeline monitoring drone sensor information, the pipeline sensor information or both. Such analyzing is performed for identifying at least a portion of the pipeline monitoring drone sensor information and/or pipeline sensor information that indicates a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline. As discussed above in reference to FIGS. 19-23 , such assessment can be performed to determine potential flow affecting events that include, but are not limited to, formation of a hole within a wall of one of the tubular members defining the flow passage of the pipeline (e.g., drilling of a hole), a liquid being pumped into the pipeline through the wall of one of the tubular members, (e.g., to mask an unauthorized extraction from the fluid material flowing through the pipeline), an article (e.g., metallic and/or man-made article) coming into contact with the wall of pipeline (e.g., a drill bit), the pipeline shifting (i.e., moving) with respect to a support structure upon which the pipeline is supported, and an obstruction within the flow passage of the pipeline.

When analyzing the pipeline monitoring drone sensor information and/or pipeline sensor information indicates that a potential flow affecting event exists, an operation 560 for determining a location of the potential flow affecting events can be performed. Such determination can be made using the pipeline monitoring drone sensor information, the pipeline sensor information or both. In response to determining the location of the potential flow affecting event, an operation 562 for deploying a flow event assessment drone can be performed. As discussed above, the flow event assessment drone can have beneficial functionality that is not capable by the pipeline monitoring drones (e.g., faster speed, hover capability, unique sensor capability, flight path and/or sensors can be manually controlled, flight path is unrestricted, etc.). After deploying the flow event assessment drone, an operation 564 can be performed for receiving the flow event assessment drone sensor information, followed by an operation 566 being performed for analyzing the flow event assessment drone sensor information.

When analyzing the pipeline monitoring drone sensor information and/or pipeline sensor information indicates that a potential flow affecting event exists (e.g. at operation 558 for analyzing sensor data), an operation 568 can be performed for correlating the sensor data to a known flow affecting event. As discussed above in greater detail such known flow affecting event can include formation of a hole within a wall of one of the tubular members defining the flow passage of the pipeline (e.g., drilling of a hole), a liquid being pumped into the pipeline through the wall of one of the tubular members, (e.g., to mask an unauthorized extraction from the fluid material flowing through the pipeline), an article (e.g., metallic and/or man-made article) coming into contact with the wall of pipeline (e.g., a drill bit), the pipeline shifting (i.e., moving) with respect to a support structure upon which the pipeline is supported, and an obstruction within the flow passage of the pipeline. In response to successfully making such correlation, an operation 570 can be performed for outputting a signal conveying the known flow affecting event.

Referring now to FIG. 28 , a first embodiment of a data processing apparatus (e.g., an optical sensing module or data processing unit, which can consist of or comprise a server) is shown. Such data processing apparatus can be used for implementing one or more parts of a pipeline flow event management system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a data processing apparatus, such as data processing apparatus 600. A pipeline monitoring system as disclosed herein can comprise the data processing apparatus 600. In its most basic configuration, data processing apparatus 600 typically includes at least one processing unit 602 and memory 604. Depending on the exact configuration and type of data processing apparatus, memory 604 may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 24 by dashed line 606. In view of the disclosures made herein, a skilled person will appreciate that data processing apparatus 600 can be configured for providing functionality of a pipeline flow event management system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention (e.g., an optical sensing module or data processing unit, as disclosed herein). For example, the data processing apparatus 600 can access and execute a set of instructions configured for implementing management of operating conditions in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The data processing apparatus 600 may also have additional features/functionality. For example, device 600 may also include additional storage (removable and/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 24 by removable storage 608 and non-removable storage 610. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Memory 604, removable storage 608 and non-removable storage 610 are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by device 600. Any such computer storage media may be part of device 600.

Data processing apparatus 600 includes one or more communication connections 614 that allow data processing apparatus 600 to communicate with other computers/applications 615. Device 600 may also have input device(s) 612 such as keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc. Output device(s) 611 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included. These devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at length here.

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the inventive subject matter can be implemented in any number of different types of data processing apparatus (e.g., a server, a smart phone, and the like). To this end, FIG. 29 shows a diagrammatic representation of a second embodiment of a data processing apparatus (i.e., data processing apparatus 700) within which a set of instructions can execute for causing a device to perform or execute any one or more of the aspects and/or methodologies of the present disclosure (e.g., the method 450 for implementing management of operating conditions). The components in FIG. 29 are examples only and do not limit the scope of use or functionality of any hardware, software, embedded logic component, or a combination of two or more such components implementing particular embodiments.

The data processing apparatus 700 can include a processor 701, a memory 703, and storage 708 that communicate with each other, and with other components, via a bus 640. The bus 740 can also link a display 732, one or more input devices 733 (which can, for example, include a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, a stylus, etc.), one or more output devices 734, one or more storage devices 735, and various tangible storage media 736. All of these elements can interface directly or via one or more interfaces or adaptors to the bus 740. For instance, the various tangible storage media 736 can interface with the bus 740 via storage medium interface 726. Data processing apparatus 700 can have any suitable physical form, including but not limited to one or more integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), mobile handheld devices (such as mobile cellular telephones, tablets, or personal digital assistants (PDAs)), laptop or notebook computers, distributed computer systems, computing grids, or servers. All or a portion of the elements 701-736 can be housed in a single unit (e.g., a smart phone housing, a tablet housing, or the like).

Processor(s) 701 (or central processing unit(s) (CPU(s))) optionally contains a cache memory unit 702 for temporary local storage of instructions, data, or computer addresses. Processor(s) 701 are configured to assist in execution of computer readable instructions (i.e., a set of instructions). Data processing apparatus 700 can provide functionality as a result of the processor(s) 701 executing software embodied in one or more tangible computer-readable storage media, such as memory 703, storage 708, storage devices 735, and/or storage medium 736. The computer-readable media can store software that implements particular embodiments of the inventive subject matter, and processor(s) 701 can execute the software. Memory 703 can read the software from one or more other computer-readable media (such as mass storage device(s) 735, 736) or from one or more other sources through a suitable interface, such as network interface 720. The software can cause processor(s) 701 to carry out one or more processes or one or more steps of one or more processes described or illustrated herein. Carrying out such processes or steps can include defining data structures stored in memory 703 and modifying the data structures as directed by the software.

The memory 703 can include various components (e.g., machine readable media) including, but not limited to, a random access memory component (e.g., RAM 704) (e.g., a static RAM “SRAM”, a dynamic RAM “DRAM, etc.), a read-only component (e.g., ROM 705), and any combinations thereof. ROM 705 can act to communicate data and instructions unidirectionally to processor(s) 701, and RAM 704 can act to communicate data and instructions bidirectionally with processor(s) 701. ROM 705 and RAM 704 can include any suitable tangible computer-readable media described below. In one example, a basic input/output system 706 (BIOS), including basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within data processing apparatus 700, such as during start-up, can be stored in the memory 703.

Fixed storage 708 is connected bidirectionally to processor(s) 701, optionally through storage control unit 707. Fixed storage 708 provides additional data storage capacity and can also include any suitable tangible computer-readable media described herein. Storage 708 can be used to store operating system 709, EXECs 710 (executables), data 711, APV applications 712 (application programs), and the like. Often, although not always, storage 708 is a secondary storage medium (such as a hard disk) that is slower than primary storage (e.g., memory 703). Storage 708 can also include an optical disk drive, a solid-state memory device (e.g., flash-based systems), or a combination of any of the above. Information in storage 708 can, in appropriate cases, be incorporated as virtual memory in memory 703.

In one example, storage device(s) 735 can be removably interfaced with data processing apparatus 700 (e.g., via an external port connector (not shown)) via a storage device interface 625. Particularly, storage device(s) 735 and an associated machine-readable medium can provide nonvolatile and/or volatile storage of machine-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and/or other data for the data processing apparatus 700. In one example, software can reside, completely or partially, within a machine-readable medium on storage device(s) 735. In another example, software can reside, completely or partially, within processor(s) 701.

Bus 740 connects a wide variety of subsystems. Herein, reference to a bus can encompass one or more digital signal lines serving a common function, where appropriate. Bus 740 can be any of several types of bus structures including, but not limited to, a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, a local bus, and any combinations thereof, using any of a variety of bus architectures. As an example and not by way of limitation, such architectures include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local bus (VLB), a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) bus, HyperTransport (HTX) bus, serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, and any combinations thereof.

Preferably, the data processing apparatus 700 is configured to determine a location at which it is currently positioned. To this end, the data processing apparatus 700 can include a set of instructions for determining such location. A Global Positioning System (GPS) application accessible from within storage and/or memory of the data processing apparatus 700 (e.g., as an application accessible from within storage or memory) is an example of such a set of instructions for determining such location. In some embodiments, the set of instructions for determining such location cause at least a portion of information necessary for determining such location to be obtained from an external apparatus or system (e.g., via a network connection). Preferably, the location can be provided in the form of coordinates and/or a civic address.

Data processing apparatus 700 can also include an input device 733. In one example, a user of data processing apparatus 700 can enter commands and/or other information into data processing apparatus 700 via input device(s) 733. Examples of an input device(s) 733 include, but are not limited to, an alpha-numeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or touchpad), a touchpad, a joystick, a gamepad, an audio input device (e.g., a microphone, a voice response system, etc.), an optical scanner, a video or still image capture device (e.g., a camera), and any combinations thereof. Input device(s) 733 can be interfaced to bus 740 via any of a variety of input interfaces 723 (e.g., input interface 723) including, but not limited to, serial, parallel, game port, USB, FIREWIRE, THUNDERBOLT, or any combination of the above.

In particular embodiments, when data processing apparatus 700 is connected to network 730, data processing apparatus 700 can communicate with other devices, specifically mobile devices and enterprise systems, connected to network 730. Communications to and from data processing apparatus 700 can be sent through network interface 720. For example, network interface 720 can receive incoming communications (such as requests or responses from other devices) in the form of one or more packets (such as Internet Protocol (IP) packets) from network 730, and data processing apparatus 700 can store the incoming communications in memory 703 for processing. Data processing apparatus 700 can similarly store outgoing communications (such as requests or responses to other devices) in the form of one or more packets in memory 703 and communicated to network 730 from network interface 720. Processor(s) 701 can access these communication packets stored in memory 703 for processing.

Examples of the network interface 720 include, but are not limited to, a

network interface card, a modem, and any combination thereof. Examples of a network 730 or network segment 730 include, but are not limited to, a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), a local area network (LAN) (e.g., a network associated with an office, a building, a campus or other relatively small geographic space), a telephone network, a direct connection between two data processing apparatuses, and any combinations thereof. A network, such as network 730, can employ a wired and/or a wireless mode of communication. In general, any network topology can be used.

Information and data can be displayed through a display 732. Examples of a display 732 include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic liquid crystal display (OLED), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display, and any combinations thereof. The display 732 can interface to the processor(s) 701, memory 703, and fixed storage 708, as well as other devices, such as input device(s) 733, via the bus 740. The display 732 is linked to the bus 740 via a video interface 722, and transport of data between the display 732 and the bus 740 can be controlled via the graphics control 721.

In addition to a display 732, data processing apparatus 700 can include one or more other peripheral output devices 734 including, but not limited to, an audio speaker, a printer, and any combinations thereof. Such peripheral output devices can be connected to the bus 740 via an output interface 724. Examples of an output interface 724 include, but are not limited to, a serial port, a parallel connection, a USB port, a FIREWIRE port, a THUNDERBOLT port, and any combinations thereof.

In addition or as an alternative, data processing apparatus 700 can provide functionality as a result of logic hardwired or otherwise embodied in a circuit, which can operate in place of or together with software to execute one or more processes or one or more steps of one or more processes described or illustrated herein. Reference to software in this disclosure can encompass logic, and reference to logic can encompass software. Moreover, reference to a computer-readable medium (also sometimes referred to as machine-readable medium” can encompass a circuit (such as an IC) storing software for execution, a circuit embodying logic for execution, or both, where appropriate. The present disclosure encompasses any suitable combination of hardware, software, or both.

The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include any structure that participates in providing data that can be read by an element of a computer system. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and/or static random access memory (SRAM).

Transmission media include cables, wires, and fibers, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to processor. Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, any other optical medium.

Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the inventive subject matter.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of data processing apparatuses, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, Hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the inventive subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter. Thus, the inventive subject matter is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Although the invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in all its aspects. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent technologies, structures, methods and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of monitoring an area surrounding a pipeline, comprising: associating one or more pipeline monitoring drones with a pipeline comprising a plurality of tubular members that jointly define a flow passage thereof through which fluid material flows, wherein associating the one or more pipeline monitoring drones with the pipeline includes assigning each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones with a pipeline monitoring flight path including a portion thereof that parallels a designated portion of a length of the pipeline; deploying the one or more pipeline monitoring drones on a pipeline monitoring flight in accordance with the flight path assigned thereto; receiving, from each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones during the pipeline monitoring flight thereof, one or more signals outputted from each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones conveying information generated by one or more sensors of a respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones, wherein the information generated by the one or more sensors of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones characterizes at least one of activity within an area adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones and environmental conditions within the area adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones; and environmental conditions of the area surrounding the pipeline; and analyzing at least a portion of the information generated by the one or more sensors of each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones to identify at least a portion of said signals indicating a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response to said analyzing indicating a potential flow affecting event is present, determining a position at which the potential flow affecting event is located; deploying a flow event assessment drone on a flow event assessment flight, wherein the flow event assessment flight is characterized by a flow event assessment flight path that enables the flow event assessment drone to travel along an unrestricted path of flight for arriving at the position at which the potential flow affecting event is located; and receiving, from the flow event assessment drone during the flow event assessment flight, one or more signals outputted from the flow event assessment drone conveying information generated by the one or more sensors of the pipeline monitoring drones, wherein the information generated by the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone characterizes at least one of activity within an area defined by the flow event assessment flight path and environmental conditions within the area defined by the flow event assessment flight path.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: after deploying the flow event assessment drone, outputting one or more signals causing manual control of at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and said path of flight of the flow event assessment drone.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein: deploying the flow event assessment drone includes at least one of activating the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and enabling at least a portion of the flow event assessment flight path to be defined by output of the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone; and the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone senses presence of one or more chemical compositions of the fluid material.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein deploying each one of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones includes causing information generated by the one or more sensors of a respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones to be generated in response to determining that a current location of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones is along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein deploying the one or more pipeline monitoring drones includes: deploying a plurality of pipeline monitoring drones; at least one of causing adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation distance therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline and causing adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation flight time therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein: deploying the one or more pipeline monitoring drones includes deploying a plurality of pipeline monitoring drones; the designated portion of the length of the pipeline includes a starting position at a first position along the length of the pipeline and an ending position art a second position along the length of the pipeline; and deploying the pipeline monitoring drones includes causing each of the pipeline monitoring drones to automatically return to the starting position after arriving at the ending position and to thereafter fly along the portion of the pipeline monitoring flight path consisting of the designated portion of the length of the pipeline.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein deploying the one or more pipeline monitoring drones includes at least one of: causing adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation distance therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline; and causing adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation flight time therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: in response to said analyzing indicating a potential flow affecting event is present, determining a position at which the potential flow affecting event is located; deploying a flow event assessment drone on a flow event assessment flight, wherein the flow event assessment flight is characterized by a flow event assessment flight path that enables the flow event assessment drone to travel along an unrestricted path of flight for arriving at the position at which the potential flow affecting event is located; and receiving, from the flow event assessment drone during the flow event assessment flight, one or more signals outputted from the flow event assessment drone conveying information generated by the one or more sensors of the pipeline monitoring drones, wherein the information generated by the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone characterizes at least one of activity within an area defined by the flow event assessment flight path and environmental conditions within the area defined by the flow event assessment flight path.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: after deploying the flow event assessment drone, outputting one or more signals causing manual control of at least one of one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and the path of flight of the flow event assessment drone.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein: deploying the flow event assessment drone includes at least one of activating the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and enabling at least a portion of the flow event assessment flight path to be defined by output of the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone; and the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone senses presence of one or more chemical compositions of the fluid material.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: correlating the at least a portion of the information generated by the one or more sensors of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones to signal characterizing information for a known flow affecting event for the pipeline; and outputting a signal conveying the known flow affecting event.
 13. A fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus, comprising: a plurality of pipeline monitoring drones each deployed on a pipeline monitoring flight path assigned thereto, wherein a portion of the pipeline monitoring flight path parallels a designated portion of a length of a pipeline, wherein each one of the pipeline monitoring drones has one or more sensors adapted for using information received from an area adjacent to a respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones to generate information characterizing at least one of activity within an area adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones and environmental conditions within the area adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones and environmental conditions of the area adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones, and wherein each one of the pipeline monitoring drones is adapted to transmit a signal conveying said characterizing information generated thereby, wherein; and a pipeline monitoring system adapted to receive the signal conveying said characterizing information of each one of the pipeline monitoring drones during the pipeline monitoring flight thereof and to analyze at least a portion of said characterizing information to identify at least a portion of said signals indicating a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline.
 14. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a flow event assessment drone having one or more sensors adapted for using information received from an area adjacent to the flow event assessment drone to generate information characterizing at least one of activity within an area adjacent to the flow event assessment drone and environmental conditions within the area adjacent to the flow event assessment drone; wherein the flow event assessment drone is adapted to transmit a signal conveying said characterizing information thereof; wherein the pipeline monitoring system is further adapted to determine a position at which the potential flow affecting event is located in response to analysis of said characterizing information indicating that a potential flow affecting event is present and to deploy the flow event assessment drone on a flow event assessment flight characterized by a flow event assessment flight path that enables the flow event assessment drone to travel along an unrestricted path of flight for arriving at the position at which the potential flow affecting event is located.
 15. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus of claim 14 wherein the pipeline monitoring system is further adapted to: receive, from the flow event assessment drone during the flow event assessment flight, one or more signals outputted therefrom conveying said characterizing information generated thereby; and after deploying the flow event assessment drone, outputting one or more signals causing manual control of at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and the path of flight of the flow event assessment drone.
 16. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus of claim 14 wherein: the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to deploy the flow event assessment drone includes the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to activate at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and to enable at least a portion of the flow event assessment flight path to be defined by output of the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone; and the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone senses presence of one or more chemical compositions of the fluid material.
 17. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus of claim 13 wherein aid characterizing information of each one of the pipeline monitoring drones is generated by the one or more sensors of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones in response to determining that a current location of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones is along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline.
 18. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus of claim 13 wherein the pipeline monitoring system is further adapted to at least one of: cause adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation distance therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline; and cause adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation flight time therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline.
 19. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus of claim 13 wherein: the designated portion of the length of the pipeline includes a starting position at a first position along the length of the pipeline and an ending position art a second position along the length of the pipeline; and the pipeline monitoring system is further adapted to cause each of the pipeline monitoring drones to automatically return to the starting position after arriving at the ending position and to thereafter fly along the portion of the pipeline monitoring flight path consisting of the designated portion of the length of the pipeline.
 20. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus of claim 19 wherein the pipeline monitoring system is further adapted to at least one of: cause adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation distance therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline; and cause adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation flight time therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline.
 21. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus of claim 20, further comprising: a flow event assessment drone having one or more sensors adapted for using information received from an area adjacent to the flow event assessment drone to generate information characterizing at least one of activity within an area adjacent to the flow event assessment drone and environmental conditions within the area adjacent to the flow event assessment drone; wherein the flow event assessment drone is adapted to transmit a signal conveying said characterizing information thereof; wherein the pipeline monitoring system is further adapted to determine a position at which the potential flow affecting event is located in response to analysis of said characterizing information indicating that a potential flow affecting event is present and to deploy the flow event assessment drone on a flow event assessment flight characterized by a flow event assessment flight path that enables the flow event assessment drone to travel along an unrestricted path of flight for arriving at the position at which the potential flow affecting event is located.
 22. The fluid transfer pipeline monitoring apparatus of claim 21 wherein the pipeline monitoring system is further adapted to: receive, from the flow event assessment drone during the flow event assessment flight, one or more signals outputted therefrom conveying said characterizing information generated thereby; and after deploying the flow event assessment drone, outputting one or more signals causing manual control of at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and the path of flight of the flow event assessment drone.
 23. A fluid transmission pipeline facility, comprising: a pipeline having a flow passage therein through which fluid material can flow; a plurality of fiber optic sensor assemblies each mounted on an exterior surface of the pipeline at a respective position along a length of the pipeline, wherein each one of the fiber optic sensor assemblies outputs a pipeline operating condition signal characterizing an operating condition of the pipeline the respective position of the pipeline; a flow event assessment drone adapted to output one or more signals conveying information generated by one or more sensors thereof; a pipeline monitoring system coupled to the fiber optic sensor assemblies for enabling reception of the operating condition characterizing signals therefrom and coupled to the flow event assessment drone for providing a flow event assessment flight path thereto, wherein the pipeline monitoring system is adapted to receive said operating condition characterizing signals, to use said operating condition characterizing signals for determining a position of the pipeline at which a potential flow affecting event is located and to deploy the flow event assessment drone on a flow event assessment flight characterized by a flow event assessment flight path that enables the flow event assessment drone to travel along an unrestricted path of flight for arriving at the position at which the potential flow affecting event is located.
 24. The fluid transmission pipeline facility of claim 23 wherein the pipeline monitoring system is further adapted to output one or more signals causing manual control of at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and said path of flight of the flow event assessment drone.
 25. The fluid transmission pipeline facility of claim 23 wherein: assessment drone includes being adapted to at least one of activate the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and enabling at least a portion of the flow event assessment flight path to be defined by output of the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone; and the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone senses presence of one or more chemical compositions of the fluid material.
 26. The fluid transmission pipeline facility of claim 23, further comprising: one or more pipeline monitoring drones; wherein the pipeline monitoring system is further adapted to: assigning each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones with a pipeline monitoring flight path including a portion thereof that parallels a designated portion of a length of the pipeline; deploy each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones on a pipeline monitoring flight in accordance with the flight path assigned thereto; receive, from each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones during the pipeline monitoring flight thereof, one or more signals outputted from each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones conveying information generated by one or more sensors of a respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones; and analyzing at least a portion of the information generated by the one or more sensors of each of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones to identify at least a portion of said signals indicating a potential flow affecting event for the fluid material within the flow passage of the pipeline.
 27. The fluid transmission pipeline facility of claim 26 wherein the information generated by the one or more sensors of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones characterizes at least one of activity within an area adjacent to a respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones and environmental conditions within the area adjacent to the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones.
 28. The fluid transmission pipeline facility of claim 26 wherein the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to deploy each one of the one or more pipeline monitoring drones includes the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to cause information generated by the one or more sensors of a respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones to be generated in response to determining that a current location of the respective one of the pipeline monitoring drones is along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline.
 29. The fluid transmission pipeline facility of claim 26 wherein the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to deploy the one or more pipeline monitoring drones includes the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to: deploy a plurality of pipeline monitoring drones; at least one of cause adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation distance therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline and cause adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation flight time therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline.
 30. The fluid transmission pipeline facility of claim 26 wherein: the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to deploy the one or more pipeline monitoring drones includes the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to deploy a plurality of pipeline monitoring drones; the designated portion of the length of the pipeline includes a starting position at a first position along the length of the pipeline and an ending position art a second position along the length of the pipeline; and the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to deploy the pipeline monitoring drones includes the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to cause each of the pipeline monitoring drones to automatically return to the starting position after arriving at the ending position and to thereafter fly along the portion of the pipeline monitoring flight path consisting of the designated portion of the length of the pipeline.
 31. The fluid transmission pipeline facility of claim 30 wherein pipeline monitoring system being adapted to deploy the one or more pipeline monitoring drones includes the pipeline monitoring system being adapted to at least one of: cause adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation distance therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline; and cause adjacent ones of the pipeline monitoring drones to adjust speed thereof for attempting to maintain a target separation flight time therebetween while along the pipeline monitoring flight path at the portion thereof that parallels the length of the pipeline.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein: assessment drone includes being adapted to at least one of activate the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone and enabling at least a portion of the flow event assessment flight path to be defined by output of the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone; and the at least one of the one or more sensors of the flow event assessment drone senses presence of one or more chemical compositions of the fluid material. 